2024 NBA Mock Draft: Zach Edey Drafted Within Top 15, Alexandre Sarr Stays At No. 1 Overall

With the Boston Celtics holding a 3-0 lead over the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals, it won’t be long before all eyes zone in on the draft, which is set for June 26–27.

For the first time ever, the draft will span two days. While no player in this year’s pool is as captivating as 2023 No. 1 overall selection Victor Wembanyama, there’s plenty of talent to go around, especially from Wembanyama’s native country of France.

Here is our latest lottery mock draft, with just over two weeks left until 58 players hear their names called in New York:

1. Atlanta Hawks: Alexandre Sarr, F/C, France

Sarr has started to slip to No. 2 in a handful of mock drafts in favor of fellow Frenchman Zaccharie Risacher, but his defense could do wonders for an Atlanta team that has yet to find its identity on that side of the ball.

2. Washington Wizards: Zaccharie Risacher, France

Few teams shot the 3-pointer worse than Washington this season, and Risacher is starting to become a sharpshooter from distance. He can also defend at a high level, too, making him a lock at No. 2 if Atlanta doesn’t scoop him up.

3. Houston Rockets: Donovan Clingan, C, UConn

Pairing Clingan and Alperen Sengun in the frontcourt someday would give the Rockets a legitimate paint presence while also bolstering their bench, as Jabari Smith Jr. could take on the role of sixth man. 

4. San Antonio Spurs: Reed Sheppard, G, Kentucky

There’s not a lot that Wembanyama can’t do, but San Antonio now needs to surround him with shooters, making Sheppard the perfect fit.

5. Detroit Pistons: Matas Buzelis, F, G League

If Cade Cunningham can stay healthy and Jaden Ivey continues to develop, the Pistons won’t have to worry about their backcourt for a long time. But Buzelis can help Detroit start to revamp outside of that duo, as the 19-year-old can play virtually anywhere the Pistons need him to. 

6. Charlotte Hornets: Rob Dillingham, G, Kentucky

Instant offense is Dillingham’s calling card, and he and LaMelo Ball could be special together. That is, of course, if Ball stays healthy and avoids traffic violations.

7. Portland Trail Blazers: Stephon Castle, G, UConn

It’s far too early to give up on Scoot Henderson, but he was a bit underwhelming last season. Castle is a do-it-all guy who could bring the Trail Blazers to life.

8. San Antonio Spurs: Cody Williams, F, Colorado

This would be more of a long-term investment for San Antonio, as Williams still has a lot of room for growth, but he could end up paying massive dividends.

9. Memphis Grizzlies: Dalton Knecht, G/F, Tennessee

 Sure, injuries destroyed the Grizzlies in 2023-24, but even at full strength, they don’t really have an offensive spark plug off the bench. Knecht would be just that.

10. Utah Jazz: Tidjane Salaun, F, France

Like Williams, Salaun is going to take time to reach his full potential, but Utah isn’t in win-now mode by any means.

11. Chicago Bulls: Kel’el Ware, C, Indiana

The Bulls have been needing someone with bounce down low for years, and Ware’s athleticism would finally give them a true interior threat.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Zach Edey, C, Purdue

Oklahoma City won’t need Edey to put up the gaudy scoring numbers that he did in college, but boy oh boy do they need someone to crash the glass.

13. Sacramento Kings: Ron Holland, F, G League

Holland has a lot of potential as a scorer and would fit right in with a Sacramento team that has been offensive-minded over the past two seasons.

14. Portland Trail Blazers: Devin Carter, G, Providence

If the Blazers do end up going with Castle, it would be a bit surprising if they took Carter, too. But Carter doesn’t let his size hold him back, establishing himself as a tenacious rebounder who makes opponents’ lives a heck of a lot harder with his smothering defense.